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Preview: Flames @ Canucks

by
Staff Writer
/ Calgary Flames

FLAMES (0-1-0) at CANUCKS (1-0-0)

TV: CBC

Season series: Forward Daniel Sedin had a goal and two assists, and Ryan Miller made 29 saves for the Vancouver Canucks in a 5-1 win against the Calgary Flames on Oct. 7. Karri Ramo made 39 saves for the Flames in the season opener.

Flames team scope: Calgary is expected to start goalie Jonas Hiller. With Hiller, Ramo and Joni Ortio, the Flames are carrying three goaltenders. "For us, it's business as usual because, I've said it many times, those three goalies make our lives very easy," coach Bob Hartley said. "They work hard and they get along great together. Is it the perfect situation? No. We're all aware of this, but they make it work because they're great guys." All three will make the trip to Vancouver. Forward Mason Raymond, who played five seasons for the Canucks, is expected to play after he was a healthy scratch. Raymond cleared waivers earlier in the week.

Canucks team scope: Vancouver is likely to use the same lineup. That will delay the NHL debut of rookie forward Jake Virtanen, who was a healthy scratch. "It's not that I'm worried about putting a guy in the lineup," coach Willie Desjardins told media in Vancouver. "If you put a guy in, that means you take somebody out. You take somebody out and it's hard for them as well, 'I'm not playing that good' or whatever. Jake will get in the lineup somewhere along the line. We'll find a spot for him. When he does, I know he'll play hard." Goaltender Jacob Markstrom (lower body) will be re-evaluated in a week, Desjardins said.